Sam Michael says that McLaren dropped Sergio Perez simply because it believed that Kevin Magnussen would help to improve the team – and that the opportunity of fast tracking the Dane into a race seat was too good to miss.

“You look and assess where your capabilities are, where you think you can improve and the view internally is that we could improve by going with Magnussen,” said Michael. “Checo’s doing a fantastic job at the moment considering the pressure that he’s under. He’s keeping his head level and being very professional about it. So, very commendable his approach over the recent races, and as recently as this one.

ABT Sportsline, led by Team Principal Hans-Jürgen Abt, has today reached an agreement that will see it become the seventh team and the only German outfit to enter the new FIA Formula E Championship – competing under the banner ‘Audi Sport ABT Formula E Team’.

“We’re proud to have the opportunity to take part in the debut of this new racing series. Participating in the new FIA Formula E Championship marks a completely new chapter in our more than 60-year motorsport history,” said Hans-Jürgen Abt. “As a company that has been active in the field of regenerative powertrains and electric mobility we’re convinced of the series’ concept. It’s innovative, delivers motorsport at the highest level and a great show for fans around the world – all of which are a perfect fit for ABT Sportsline.”

Heikki Kovalainen enjoyed a good first day with Lotus in Austin, finishing Free Practice 2 in fifth place.

His only real problem was that he was moving around in the seat – adapted from Kimi Raikkonen’s – but the team is making a new one for him overnight.

“I didn’t really have any objectives other than to lean on it as soon as possible, trying to be on the edge as soon as I felt comfortable,” said the Finn. “I think we achieved that reasonably well today. The car was well balanced almost straight away, so we didn’t have to chase the setup too much. Perhaps the tires here as well they are not going away straight away, so they give you a few more laps to try That worked quite well, I was able to get a feel for it quite quickly and push it and lean on it.